The Director-General of National Institute for Sports, Surulere, Lagos, Professor Olawale Moronkola, has described the late Principal of the National Institute for Sports Dr. Awoture Eleyae as an exceptional teacher, administrator and great Nigerian who laid a solid foundation for sports development in Nigeria and Africa.
In his reaction to the death of the foremost administrator, Professor Moronkola said:”Nigeria has lost a great man whose place in Nigerian and African sports is assured. He laid a solid foundation for the evolution of the NIS as a foremost sports Institute. He was hard work personified, a great custodian of sports history, meticulous teacher, an embodiment of honour and dedication to duty. He is one of those who laid a strong and enduring foundation for our country’s sports development. His place is assured among great administrators in Nigeria and Africa. He will be sorely missed. May God rest his soul and comfort the family”.
Awoture Eleyae was the first Principal of the National Institute for Sports from 1974- 1983. He was president of ANOCA and Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa.
His remarkable legacy contributed to the development of sports not only in Nigeria, but the African continent as a whole.
Born on April 10, 1927, in Isoko, Delta State, he was the fourth Nigerian to earn a PhD in Health and Physical Education.
Under his tenure, the National Institute for Sports was renowned for producing great athletes and coaches as well as the initiative of bilateral relationship with foreign institutions.
He was aged 96 years.